The Douglas Park cleanup event aims to give back to the North Lawndale community by improving the park while showing appreciation for those who strive to keep the neighborhood clean every day, said the group's founder Jahmal Cole. Volunteers will meet in the park, 1401 S. Sacramento Drive, from 3-5 p.m. Monday.

Cole said that at least four different social service organizations near Douglas Park are trying to eradicate Chicago's drug epidemic — Sacred Heart Home, Schwab Rehab Hospital, a methadone clinic and A Safe Haven Foundation.

"Let's show them our appreciation and give them a hand with cleaning up Douglas Park," Cole said.

The entire Douglas Park community is invited to participate and the first 50 volunteers to show up will receivea free green "My Block, My Hood, My City" T-shirt. Volunteers can sign up online.